Is This How Ontario Sees the Future of Mimico?
On August 15, 2025, Ontario’s housing minister approved 120 Major Transit Station Areas (“MTSAs”) and Protected Major Transit Station Areas (“PMTSAs”) across Toronto. Taller towers up to 20 to 30 storeys, and more mid-rise apartments between 4 to 6 storeys, are now allowed near these transit areas – including the Mimico GO Station. Developers no longer need to provide minimum parking in these areas, and although the City of Toronto had planned for 5% to 22% of units to be permanently affordable, the Province of Ontario has capped it at no more than 5% and they only have to stay affordable for 25 years.
With proposals for towering high-rise developments sprouting up all over our community, residents are expressing concerns on three levels: (1) the massive scale of such developments without any real plan for the matching social and physical infrastructure needed to make them feasible, (2) the decreased requirements for affordable units despite the massive density bonuses provided to developers, and (3) the lack of a comprehensive community-wide plan for the inclusion of townhomes, six-plexes, low-rise apartments, and other “missing middle” types of development that are essential in creating vibrant and livable communities. Higher densities must be thoughtfully planned, and reflect a broad range of options to meet everyone’s needs – renters, first-time home buyers, young families, empty-nesters, as well as supportive housing.
Mimico residents have long advocated for a vibrant, “complete community” surrounding our main transit station, with more housing (including affordable housing), retail & commercial development, public spaces, community services and adequate transportation infrastructure. With this significant decision from the Province, residents are concerned that the Mimico GO Station area may soon be engulfed by high-rise towers and little else. As the map below makes clear, many of Mimico’s lower-density streets have been included as part of the PMTSA. Contrast this with the exclusion of many areas from Melrose Street to the Gardiner between Carnarvon and Royal York.
And contrast Mimico with planned densities in adjacent communities, including New Toronto and near the Long Branch GO Station, as well as the densities at subway stations, including Royal York and Runnymede.
A thoughtful review of population densities within 800 metres of the Mimico GO station is required, and a balanced approach designed to ensure that high-density developments are distributed in ways that reflect adequate transportation, social and physical infrastructure needs.
The MRA has this on the agenda for our fall meetings with the City Councillor, Amber Morley.